Max Verstappen Sparks Tense Exchange in Sky F1 Interview

Max Verstappen and Sky F1 reporter Ted Kravitz had a tense exchange ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, following Verstappen’s on-track incident with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks prior.

In Spain, Verstappen was ordered by Red Bull to let Russell past after running wide at Turn 1. The team made this call to avoid a possible time penalty for gaining an advantage off track, but later, stewards reviewed the situation and determined Verstappen had been forced wide and did not need to hand over position.

For more on the technical controversies during that race, see the F1 flexi wing Spanish GP.

Unfortunately for Verstappen, contact with Russell in the aftermath resulted in a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points on his super licence, moving him just one point from a race ban.

The discussion in Montreal focused on changes in Red Bull’s lineup, specifically the absence of Johnathan Wheatley on the pit wall. Wheatley had been a key figure at Red Bull, acting as their main liaison with the FIA on sporting regulations before taking on a new role at Sauber.

The interview touched on how Stephen Knowles, a newer face in Wheatley’s former position, has adapted to the role and how Red Bull is working to avoid mistakes after the Spanish Grand Prix decisions.

Kravitz raised the topic by mentioning Knowles’ responsibilities and asked how the team was ensuring better communications with race officials. Verstappen responded firmly, expressing that he doesn’t agree with singling out any particular person for the decision.

He emphasized that the team reviews incidents together and aims to improve as a group, instead of placing blame on one individual. This stance created friction during the interview, with Verstappen repeating his discomfort about the focus on Knowles, while Kravitz assured that he only wanted to clarify roles, not assign fault.

The exchange revealed the high stakes and scrutiny facing everyone involved in F1 teams, especially when championship points and potential race bans are at risk. Verstappen’s defensive posture highlighted his commitment to unity within the Red Bull team, particularly at a time of transition with new personnel in critical roles.

Red Bull remains under the spotlight this season, as changes among key staff and tight competition have made every decision on and off the track subject to inspection.

Verstappen heads into the Canadian Grand Prix sitting third in the 2025 driver standings, with 137 points, trailing McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Red Bull, now fourth in the team standings with 144 points, faces continued pressure from Mercedes and Ferrari as the season intensifies.

The ongoing battle for the championship is reminiscent of recent Monaco clashes, where teams have had to adapt quickly (McLaren Lewis Hamilton Monaco).

The Canadian Grand Prix promises more critical moments, both on pit wall and in the championship fight, as every action by teams and drivers could have lasting implications.

Elsewhere, the paddock is buzzing with speculation on team strategies, potential driver moves, and regulatory changes, keeping fans and teams alike alert to every development.

With the next rounds close together, performance and decision-making will be crucial as the title picture becomes clearer. As the series leaves Montreal, Verstappen and Red Bull will be searching for solutions and unity, ready to face the next challenges in a crowded F1 calendar. For insights into driver pressures and team dynamics, see the Sainz F1 Monaco fear.